AN elderly Widnes couple and their disabled son cheated death following an arson attack which sent flames ripping through their ground floor flat.

The alarm was raised by a quick-thinking taxi driver who was completing his night shift and saw smoke billowing from a window of the Chesnut Court flat in the early hours of Monday.

Passers-by rushed to the aid of the three residents who were trapped inside after hearing their frantic shouts and screams - neighbours led the couple and their 52-year-old-son to safety after smashing the windows to let them escape.

Firefighters from Widnes Green Watch arrived in minutes to tackle the blaze.

At first two fire engines were sent to the flat, off Liverpool Road, but after an initial inspection sub officer Ian Swanson phoned for back up from Runcorn fire station.

A neighbour, who witnessed the incident, said: 'Firefighters were on the scene very quickly to stop the fire. It looked like it may have spread to other flats but they got in there fast to sort it out.'

The incident happened after a busy bank holiday evening in which crews in Halton had been dispatched to 'numerous incidents' throughout the night.

Firefighter Dave Hilditch said: 'Fire crews were called to a fire at Chesnut Court, Liverpool Road, Widnes at 3.14am on Monday. 'When firefighters arrived the blaze to the flat was well alight.

'A crew searched the property using four sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reels and all persons were accounted for.

'Firefighters administered first aid and therapy to one of the occupiers and treated the other residents for shock.

'Several members of the public were assisting the occupiers out of the premises via the living room window.'

A smoke alarm was fitted, but it is still a mystery to whether if it had triggered off the alarm as it had melted in the intense heat.

Fire crews are now investigating the cause of the fire, but the Fire Service Investigators and Crime Scene Investigators believe the incident to be an arson attack.

Leading firefighter Steve McCormick, said: 'Without the quick, heroic actions of passers-by this incident could have had tragic consequences.

'I would once again urge all residents to ensure they have operational smoke alarms in their properties, and a well rehearsed escape plan in the event of an emergency.

'Free alarms and advice can be obtained from your local fire station.'